Michelle “Mimi” Verdugo

Surrounded by her family, Michelle “Mimi” Verdugo passed away April 26, 2013, at her home. She was 44.

Mimi, as friends and family knew her, was born Feb. 12, 1969, in Concord, Calif., to David and Monika Madrid.

She grew up in Walnut Creek, Calif., where she graduated from Los Lomas High School. While in high school, Mimi enjoyed skateboarding and hanging out with her brother’s friends. She also loved going to concerts.

Mimi married John Verdugo July 3, 1989. They had two children, Erika and Anthony. That marriage ended in divorce and Mimi, her children, her grandmother, her mother and brother all migrated to Brookings in 1993. Here, she ran a successful in-home daycare business for several years.

She gave birth to her daughter Morgen during that time in 1996.

Mimi later went to work at Fred Meyer – most recently as an optician with Vista Optical.

Mimi loved living in Brookings. Whether she was visiting with friends, walking on the beach or going upriver for a campout or barbecue, she cherished it here. Mimi was known for her infectious smile. She radiated a love of life which she bestowed on her friends and family.

She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her mother Monika Madrid of Brookings; daughter and son-in-law Erika and Scott Harrison of Fort Bragg, Calif.; son Anthony Verdugo of Brookings; daughter Morgen Verdugo Rains of Brookings; Morgen’s father Chris O’Farrell Rains of Brookings; brother Michael A. Madrid of Brookings; sister-in-law Angela Madrid of Brookings, brothers Anthony Freitas and David Morgan of San Diego; nieces Mary Joe Madrid of Brookings, Madison Madrid of Brookings; grandmother Lucille Madrid of Brookings. Also surviving are several aunts and uncles including her aunt Adele Madrid.

Mimi was preceded in death by her grandmother Helga Fuhrig.

Her death came peacefully following a brief illness. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Carlin Utterback, Rita Mae, the nurses, housekeepers, kitchen helpers and all of the staff of Curry General Hospital in Gold Beach who lovingly gave the best care available as they saw Mimi and her family through this difficult process.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Mimi’s name to Curry Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1274, Gold Beach, OR 97444 or 541-247-3189.

A celebration of Mimi’s life will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 6, at Living Waters Foursquare Church, 1136 Fifield St. in Brookings. Pastor Dwayne Rufener will officiate. A reception will follow the service at the church.

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